Singular voices, centre stage.
A nationwide search for the best new writing in monologue form.

Heretic Voices is a rare opportunity for writers of all backgrounds to see their work fully produced on the main stage at London's Arcola Theatre by leading theatre makers and published in a collection.

We invite writers and writer-performers to submit their original work.

A shortlist of plays will be presented to our prestigious panel; Michael Billington, Lolita Chakrabarti, Monica Dolan and Mel Kenyon. The panel will then select the plays to be produced.

"New writing prizes proliferate but this one is special in that it promotes solo voices and in that the prize is a guarantee of a production and publication. I am delighted to be part of a distinguished judging panel and would urge everyone to get writing." Michael Billington

Submitted monologues can be of any genre and can feature one or more voice, but must be able to be performed by a single actor. They must be between 15 minutes and 45 minutes in length.

How Heretic Voices works

Between 19 July - 30 September 2017 writers can submit their monologues. These will be read by a team of readers working in the industry.

A shortlist of plays will be announced and presented to the panel to read. From their individual appraisals, the final plays will be selected and produced.

Heretic Voices will assemble leading actors, directors, and creative teams to stage the chosen plays in early 2018. Writer-performers may perform their own work if selected, at the discretion of Heretic Voices.

The plays will be presented to the public at the Arcola Theatre in January 2018 for a week's performance.
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'There is a glittering wealth of writing talent in the UK but a poverty of opportunity for the great majority to have their work fully staged by professional creative teams. We cannot wait to present a diverse collection of revelatory and distinctive voices united by a desire to delight and excite an audience. Whether it is an opportunity to explore vibrant character, give voice to the unheard, or craft a unique and challenging relationship between speaker and listener, the range and possibility of the monologue form is thrilling. The door to Heretic Voices is wide open; no matter who you are, we are ravenous to read your work.' Max Gill and Ellie Keel (Artistic Director and Producer of Heretic Voices)

Guidance for writers

Submitted works must not have been performed professionally.
Submitted works must have a running time of 15 minutes to 45 minutes and can be of any genre.
The monologue must be able to be performed by one actor.
The monologues must be in English.
We are regrettably unable to provide feedback to writers.

How to Enter

Submit monologues to hello@hereticproductions.co.uk along with no more than 150 words about yourself.
The Entry deadline is 5pm on 30 September 2017
Follow us on Twitter @hereticprod for updates.
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Terms and Conditions
The Panel
Heretic Voices reserves the right to substitute members of the Selection Panel or to add further members.
It is the intention that all members of the Selection Panel participate in all stages of the selection process as indicated above, but individual members might be unavailable at certain times. The Selection Panel is under no obligation to provide feedback to shortlisted writers unless they so choose to.
Dates

Heretic Voices reserves the right to extend the deadline for entries. Dates given by Heretic Voices in relation to the process of selection are indicative only and subject to change.

Contract between the writers and Heretic Productions
If your play is selected for performance, you will be required to enter into a contract with Heretic Productions.

Promotional Activities
By entering, you agree to participate in such promotional activity with the media with respect to Heretic Voices, including submitting to interviews, photographic shoots and filming as Heretic Productions shall stipulate.

Disqualification
We reserve the absolute right at any time to disqualify any entrant.
Interpretation
Nothing in these Rules places a legal obligation on Heretic Productions to select any play or to make any payment to any candidate.
Heretic Productions shall determine and resolve any ambiguity in the interpretation of these Rules at its discretion.